The Charge

The rhythm's gonna get ya.

Opening Statement

I haven't seen the movie You Got Served, but I do know it's about street dancing. This complement to the film will teach you the moves to serve someone yourself. Yo.

Facts of the Case

Apparently You Got Served was a hit. At least enough of a hit to merit this "How-To" disc for mastering some of the movie's "hot routines." For 55 minutes or so, you, the aspiring—what is the term? Hip-hop street dancer? I have no clue—will be treated to step-by-step instructions that make little or no sense to this rhythm-free reviewer.

The events begin with 15 minutes of warm-up exercises. I didn't even know they had exercises for the muscles used in competitive dancing, or why I'd ever do the exercises in public. They may be great for the octoid marsupial muscle or whatever, but you look like your jeans are infested with fire ants.

Once that's all finished, Dave Scott, the lead choreographer on You Got Served, begins the step-by-step instruction for the routines. He takes you slowly through the beats, gradually speeding up, until the final segment is ready for music.

There are three of these routines, with the final installment being a brand new "hot routine" not seen in the movie. To break things up, a small feature of real street dancing is thrown in, which shows kids doing moves that made my groin muscles tear just watching them.

The Evidence

When I say I have no rhythm, I mean it. I have the musical coordination of a retarded pack mule. Wedding receptions find me with my butt planted in a chair, sucking down bread while watching the gesticulations on the dance floor. Only recently have I been venturing out, but only to the slow songs, and only because I recently acquired a wife.

However, if I did in fact possess a modicum of rhythm, along with the will to hone my street dancing craft—I'd find this disc complicated, but helpful.

Dave Scott is a no-nonsense instructor. He clearly and succinctly takes you through the moves, beat by beat, with no room for chatter. His gradual step-up in the speed of the routine is an excellent approach, culminating in having the routine actually played out to music.

He applies the same teaching technique to three separate routines; the last one apparently a brand new set. However, I couldn't help but wonder why a person couldn't just piece together his or her own routine. I can appreciate the alignment with the beats of the music in Scott's predetermined sets, but I don't know what would keep marginally coordinated young bucks, equipped with some of the moves and techniques, from just going hog-wild on their own.

I'm thinking the greatest benefits on this disc are the exercises and specific moves that are taught, which enable you, the prospective competitive street dancer, to string together your own killer combo.

The pit stop between the instruction, where a few authentic dancers are interviewed, is an interesting diversion. And some of the gravity-defying crap they were pulling off—yowsers!

I'll say this: I came away from the disc not so much confident on the dance floor, but impressed with the folks who can work it for real.

Technically, the disc is sound, with the only demerits coming in the audio category. It would have been nice for the disc to pump up the volume a little more, but it provides only a Dolby Digital Mono mix. Visually, things are in order, with a tight 1.78:1 widescreen treatment.

Bonuses include some freestyling/catching-up with pros and You Got Served stars Marques Houston and Omari Grandberry, interviews with cast members (one of whom gives the entire movie away), "jump-to-a-scenes," and previews.

Closing Statement

It's quite possible you could learn to bust a move with this disc. Me, I'd just bust a femur.

The Verdict

Not guilty. Go on now and…take it to the streets!

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